Exploring the Effects of Spaceflight on Mouse Physiology using the Open Access NASA GeneLab Platform

Abstract

Performing biological experiments in space requires special accommodations and procedures to ensure that these investigations are performed effectively and efficiently. Moreover, given the infrequency of these experiments it is imperative that their impacts be maximized. The rapid advancement of omics technologies offers an opportunity to dramatically increase the volume of data produced from precious spaceflight specimens. To capitalize on this, NASA has developed the GeneLab platform to provide unrestricted access to spaceflight omics data and encourage its widespread analysis. Rodents (both rats and mice) are common model organisms used by scientists to investigate space-related biological impacts. The enclosure that house rodents during spaceflight are called Rodent Habitats (formerly Animal Enclosure Modules), and are substantially different from standard vivarium cages in their dimensions, air flow, and access to water and food. In addition, due to environmental and atmospheric conditions on the International Space Station (ISS), animals are exposed to a higher CO 2 concentration. We recently reported that mice in the Rodent Habitats experience large changes in their transcriptome irrespective of whether animals were on the ground or in space. Furthermore, these changes were consistent with a hypoxic response, potentially driven by higher CO 2 concentrations. Here we describe how a typical rodent experiment is performed in space, how omics data from these experiments can be accessed through the GeneLab platform, and how to identify key factors in this data. Using this process, any individual can make critical discoveries that could change the design of future space missions and activities.

Multi-omics analysis of multiple missions to space reveal a theme of lipid dysregulation in mouse liver

“…We will provide details of the methodology for obtaining the tissues and processing which was done by previous investigators for the readers convenience, but all detailed information is also available on NASA’s GeneLab platform. The STS-135 mission was performed with the NASA AEM-X hardware 62 , while the RR-1 and RR-3 missions were performed with the new generation of the AEM-X referred to as Rodent Habitat 20 . The mice for each mission differed in the age and strain, as well as the mission duration.…”

NASA GeneLab: interfaces for the exploration of space omics data

“…Indeed, the software architecture designed by GeneLab and its strategies around data and metadata harmonization will enable the development of the next generation of space risk models. By classifying experimental factors into digital objects and by transforming raw data into comparable quantitative endpoints using a workflow approved by the community, GeneLab lets users see how space factors affect a large array of biological processes ( 13 , 30–32 ). By establishing mathematical laws describing the relationship between factors’ values and biological endpoints, one can start building more elaborate computer models.…”

Approaching Gravity as a Continuum Using the Rat Partial Weight-Bearing Model

“…Starting with the Artemis missions and to Mars thereafter, astronauts will not have access to the extensive exercise [ 61 ] nor the medical equipment currently present on the ISS; thus we need to find reliable biomarkers to assess astronauts’ conditions in flight. The recent development of –omics and the public availability of numerous data sets from NASA GeneLab [ 173 ], allowed for some new discoveries including the importance of miRNAs. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that are largely conserved throughout species and act as RNA-silencer, thus able to regulate post-transcriptional gene expression [ 174 ]; and can be associated with pathological conditions including cancer [ 175 , 176 , 177 ], diabetes [ 178 , 179 ], cardiovascular diseases [ 180 ], and viral infection [ 181 ].…”